Not Able To Set Windows 7 Aero Themes

by Rohit Khurana on April 16, 2010

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If you wonder why you are not able to set Windows 7 Aero theme there can be two possible reasons for this. First reason can be that you own a Windows 7 starter version or Windows Home basic version which does not have the Aero effect. The second reason can be a software issue with the Microsoft Windows 7 which Microsoft is aware of and its working on the solution.

Even if you own a Windows 7 version which is either Home Premium, Business or Ultimate version of Windows 7, you might get stuck in Windows 7 Basic theme and may not be able to switch back to Windows Aero there which is responsible for the visual effects. Microsoft describes Aero Effect as :

Aero visual hallmarks include subtle animations and translucent glass windows, which you can personalize. Pick from the included color palette, or create your own custom tints with the color mixer.

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The problem with Windows 7 is that if you switch between Windows 7 Aero theme and Basic theme several times (no fixed number quoted), it may not switch to the Windows 7 Aero there at all. It will get stuck with a “Please Wait” message.

The solution to this problem is being worked upon by Microsoft and they will probably come up with a Hotfix for the same very soon. Till the time the hotfix is released, there is a workaround suggested by Microsoft here.

Get Back Windows 7 Aero Theme

To get back to Windows 7 Aero theme, first ensure that you are running one of these three version of Windows 7 – Home premium, Business or Ultimate. If you are using Home Basic or Starter, it anyways does not support Aero effects.

To enable Windows 7 Aero theme, first switch from the existing Basic there to a “Windows Classic” or “High contrast” theme. Once this theme is successfully applied, this will also show “Please wait” message and it will finish applying this theme. After the classic / high contrast theme is successfully set, you can now switch to Windows 7 Aero theme.